Control and supervisory system



eb 1927 J. B HARLow CONTROL AND SUPERVISORY SYSTEM Filed June I5o. 1921 2 Sheets-Sheet l //7 Ven for:

Feb. l 1927.

J. B. HARLOW CONTROL AND sUPERvIsoRY SYSTEM Filed June 3o, 1921 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 /f-We/vfa/ff dah/7 B. Har/aw.

ff/Owffy.

with power lines.

along a power line,

Patented Feb. 1, 1927.

JOHN IB. HARLOW, OF 'UPPER- l 1,616,186 I', UNITED STATES" PATENT- OFFICE.

MoN'rcLAln, NEW JERsEx-Assenon '.ro WESTERN' ELECTRIC COMPANY, INCORPORATED, OF NEW YORK,' N. Y., A. CORPORATION OF -Nnw Yoan.

CONTROIJ- AND SUlI-ERVISORY SYSTEM.

Application led .Tune 3U, 1921. Serial No. 481,532.

This invention relates to control and supervisory systems and particularly to 4such systems in which switches or other objects may supervised. The invention is particularly adapted for use in connection 'with automatlc switches or circuit breakers employed There are now in use power generating and distribution -systems in which a plurality of substations are located at points each station being provided with a plurality of switches. and such switches are frequently adapted to be o eratit may be desired to actuate a plurality of the central operate said power switches.

ed automatically under predetermine conditions. The present invention is well adapted to systems of thisjgeneral type and includes means for selectively causing the.

opening and closing of any of the switches located at a substation from a central Astation located at a distance) from the substation, together with means for indicating at the central station when the selected switches are opened or closed, and also to indicate at station when any of the said switches are opened or closed automatically, ie., by means not set in operation at the central station.v

In carrying out the present invention, control means is provided at the Icentral station individual to .each power switch which causes a pair of distributors, operating in synchronism" and common tothe control means and power switches, to selectively Af'second pair of distributors are also providedr common to all of said power switches v'and controllable by'each of them to selectiyely operate indicating devices at the central station individual to each power switch. In practice the control means located at the central station one after the other, or simultaneously, and therefore interlocking means is provided whereby the. distributors are only under the control of one of said control means at a time.

controlled by the power switches which insures that an indication will be given at the central station when each switch is opened or closed, irrespective of whether these switches are actuated simultaneously or "in anyjdelinite order.

be remotely controlled and -that an indication Interlocking means is also provided for the pair of distributors that are\ In case, for instance, ai

large lnumber of the switchesarc opened substantially simultaneously, from a heavy surge of current due to lightning or other cause,- the interlocking mechanism -insures will be given atthe central station showing the position of` each power switch operated.- One of the primary objects of the present invention'is to produce such a system which includes a minimum number of operating elements, is-reliable, and is rapid in operation; indicating at position of a switch a very few seconds after the switch has operated.

Other objects and features ofthe invention will be set forth in detail in the following specification and particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

In the accompanying illustrate one embodiment of the invention, Fig. 1- illustrates schematically the mechanism and circuits located at the central station, while Fig, 2 illustrates schematically the apparatus and station.

Referring now to the drawings in detail, the reference letters S and S indicate two of a plurality of power switches located at the substation.

The switch S comprises a movable contact member 15 which cooperates with stationary contacts 16 connected in a line which may be a main power line or an auxiliary feeder for a main power line. rlhe movable contact member 15 is' carried by thecore 17 which is reciprocally mounted within a helix 18,- a contact 19, and its other end t0 a grounded battery 20. The contact 19 cooperates with va grounded armature v27 of a relay 28 having windings 29 and 30. has the same associated elements as the switch S, similar elements bearing the same reference numerals with primes aiiiXed thereto. The armature 27 and contact 19, associated with the switch S, are shown separated so that the helix 18 is deenergized and the switch is open. However, when 'winding 30 of relay 28 is deenergized and winding 29 energized, the armature 27 will 'be brought into engagement with vcontact 19, 'closin helix 18 w ed battery The switch S drawings, which circuits located at a sub- 05 the central station the v of helix 18 lits the core armature 27V to ground.

thereof deenergized, the armature 27 will -be moved toy open the circuit for the helix 18 4 cupies the position at the contact 19 and permit the core 17 to drop carrying the movable contact member 15 out of engagement with the stationary contacts 16 opening the switch as is readily understood. Since the operation of switch S' is. similar to' switch S, a description of its operation is not thought to be necessary. The windings 29, 29', and 30 and 30 are selectively operated from the central station, shown in Fig. 1, by means hereinafter to be described, so that the switches S and `S' may be opened or closed from the said central station.

In order lto selectively energize the windings 29, 29', and 30, 30' of therelavs 28 and 28' associated with the switches and S', double-throw double-pole hand switches 35 and 35' are provided at the central station illustrated in 1.- -When switch 85 oci shown, in which its engagement with concontacting arms are in winding 30 of relay mets 37 and as the 28 associated-with switch S will be energized and when moved .into engagement with contacts 39 and 40, the winding 29 of saidrelay 28' will be energized and `winding 30 deenergized, opening the switch S in one instance and closing it in the other. In like manner when switch 35' occupies the position shown in which its contacting arms are in engagement4 with contacts 39' and 40', the winding 29' of relay 28", associated with switch S' will be energlzed and when moved into engagement with contacts 37 and 38' the winding 30' of the said relay 28' will be energized and the winding 29' deenergized.

iThe mechanism and circuit arrangements for effecting the energizationand deenergization switch 45 and 45' respectively.

bedescribed in detail.

ofthe windings 2 9, 29' and 30, 30' of the relays 28, 28 upon the actuation of the hand switches 35 and 35' will hereinafter The switches S and S' in opening and closing each actuate a double-pole double-throw When the switch :45 occupies the position shown in 'which its contacting arms are in engagement with contacts 47 and 48` (through mechanism and circuit arrangements, ,identical with those'employed for causing the enerthe actuation of switches 35 or 35') a'lamf')` 1000 located at the .central station will be gization and deenergization of windings 29, 294 and 30, 30 of relays' 28, 28' upon li hted indicating that' the switch S isopen;

an lwhen the switch 45 is permitted, byK the closing of switch S, Ato engage its conlocated at the central its contacting arms with contacts 47' andk L18 thelamp 1001 will be extinguished and .alamp 1000' lighted indicating that the switch S' is open.

Briefly, the means for selectively causing the energization and deenergization of the windings 29. 29' and 30, 30' of relavs 28 and 28' by the actuation of switches 35 and 1 35' comprises distributors .100 and 300 located at the central station and substation, respectively. Each distributor comprises a plurality of insulated segments with which la rotating brush carrying arm 101 and 301 cooperates, the driving mechanism for each of the brush arms operating at a constant speed and in svnchronism. It is to be understood that there is a pair of such dis-- tribut'ors for each substation, one being located atA the substation and the other at .the central station. Associated with the switches A35 and 35' are groups of relavsl enclosed in dotted line rectangles and indicated generally by reference letters A and B. These relays when controlled through their associated switch 35 or 35' close circuits for operating different relays of a group associated with'the segments of distributor 100. These relavsl indicated 'generally bv the reference letter C, when energized serveto connect battery with their associated segments so that when the distributor arm 101 is rotated, pulses are sent over thel line 200 connecting` the 'central station and substation which intermittently energize a line relay 201 located at the substation The distributor arm 301 being rotated in svnchronism with the arm 101, each time the line relay 201 is energized. its brush carrying arm 301 closes circuits for energizing certain'relavs of a group, associated with the segments of the distributor 300, this group being enclosed in a dotted line rectangle and designated generally by the reference letter D. `The energization of the relays in group I) completev circuits for controlling pairs of relays designated generally bv reference letters E and F which control the energization and deenergization ot windings 29', 30' and '29, 30 ot relays inafter explained, different relays in groups C and D are actuated. dependent upon whether switch 35 or 35' is operated and 'also dependent upon the direction in which 28' l 'and 28. respectively. As will be herefront contact completes a locking circuit for and armature 107,

-of distributor 100 ried b the brush the said switches are moved. The relays in this group determine which pairs of relays E or vF will be o erated to 'energize or de- -energize the win ings of relays 28 and 28.

The switch 35 in which the power switch S at the substation is open. To closethe power switch S the switch35 is moved to engage its conducting arms with contacts 39 and 40, the engagement of contact 40 closin an en.- ergizing circuit for relay 102 whic may be traced from grounded battery 103, ductors 104, 105, conducting arm of. switch 35,v contact 40, conductor 106, back contact of relay 108, winding of relay 102, conductors 109, 110, segment 111 through a brush l153 cararm 101, to collectorring 112 wiich is grounded. Relay 102 in energizing attracts its armatures 113, 114,115 and\116. Armature 115 inengaging its relay 102 which may be traced from ground- Med to any source of does not complete an ed battery 103, conductorsi104, 105, conducting arm of switch 35, Contact 40,*back contact andarmature 107 of relay 108, winding of relay 102, armature 115 and front conv tact of said relay to ground. Theattrae# tion of'armature 116 moves it outof engagement with its associated back contact and into engagement with its front contact completing an 'energizing -circuit .'for relay 117 which l battery 103, conductor 104, armaturey 116 and front contact of relay 102', conductor 118'., armature`116 and front-contact of relay 102, winding' of relay 117 to Relay 117 in energizing attracts its armaand 128. The attraction ofarmature 121 energizing circuit for relay 126 since this armature is not connectenerg the reason for which will be hereinafter explained. The energizing circuit for-relay- 128 may be tracedfrom grounded battery 103, conductors 104 and 105, conducting arm and contact 40 of -switch 35, armature 123-and front. contact of relay 117, conductors 134- .and 138,; winding of relay 128 to ground., The energizing circuit for relay 127 may be traced from` grounded battery 103, conductor 104, armature 122, and front contact of relay 117, conductors 133 of relay 127 .to ground. circuits for -relays 125 and 124 are slmilar relay 127 eX- cept that the contacts associated with; armaturcs 120 and 119 are connected to the windings ott' said relays by means of conductors 135-131 and 130-129, respectively. Attention is called to the fact that relay 128 is the only one whose energizing circuit depends upon the position of switch 35 the is shown in the position' conmay be traced from grounded' ground. i

mature 159 `brush carrying arm 301. release magnet I158 and 137, winding. The energlzing.

reason for which scribed; Relays 124, 125, 127 and 128 in energizing attract their armatures connecting grounded battery 139 to their associated segments `140, 1 41, 143, 144,-respectively, of the distributor 100. Relay 102 in energizing moves its armature 114 into engagement with its associated front contact completin an energizing circuit for relayJ 145 which may be traced from grounded battery 103, conductor. 104, armature 114 and front con tact of relay 102, conductors-146 and 147,

.winding of relay .145 to ground. RelayL 145 in attracting its armature l148 completes an energizing circuit for relay 149 which may be traced from grounded battery 139,l armature 148,. frontcontactof relay 145, winding of relay 149, conductor 150, segment- 151 of distributorv 100 through a brush l152 carried the brush carrying a'rm 101, segment 157,

line wire v200, winding-of relay 201 to ground. 4Relay 149 in energizing attracts will be hereinafter deits armature 154 completing-an energizingcircuit for release magnet 155 associa-ted with the distributor arm 101.` This circuit maybe traced from Agrounded battery 1556, armature 154 and front contact of relay 149,

windingl of magnet 155 to ground.

Armature` 156v ofrelay 155 is in the form of a latch holding the brush carrying arm' -f101of the-distr'butor. 100 stationary inthe position illustrated. When released magnet 155 is energized, as h brush .carrying arm 101 and permitting it lto be rotated, sweeping the brushes 152 and 153V carried thereby over the segments of ine'relay 201 vin energizing attracts its armature and completes an energizing circuit for release magnet 158 associated with distributor 300 located at the substation. Release magnet 158 is provided with an arwhichl is in the form of a latch retaining the brush carrying arm`301 of the distributore300 in a stationary` position, as is illust-rated `in Fig. v2, and when j energized this relay\attracts its armature releasing the The circuit for 4 may be traced from grounded battery 160, armature andfronjt contact otn line relay: 201, segment 1161 of distributor distributor 'arml 301, -segment' 163, winding 'of release magnetI 158 to ground.

From the above it will be apparent' that when relay energization of relay'102, release magnets 155 and 158 associated with 'distributors 100 and 300, respectively, are siniultaneou's- 145 is energized through thev Y previously described armature 156 is attracted, releasing 'the' distributor in a clockwise direction. ,A tures 119, 120, 121, 122, 123 which complete L -energlzing circuits for relays 124, 125, 127 105 300, brush 162, carried by 'l ly energized, releasing their associated distributor arms 101 and 301 so that thesev arms. may be rotated synchronously .in a

/ from grounded segments associated therewith. As soon as brush 153 which bridges segment 111 and collector ring 112 passes 0E segment 111, the energizing circuit for relay 102 is broken, but this relay'remains energized over the locking circuit passing through its armature 115 and front contactso that relay 117 and relays 124, 125, 127 and 128 remain energized. However, the movement of brush 152 0E of segment 151 breaks the energizing circuits causing them to release their armatures. Relay 149 in' deenergizing opens the energizing circuit forv release magnet 155, while line relay 201 in deenergizing breaks the energizing circuit for release agnet 158. However, when release magnets 155 and 158 are deenergized releasing their latching armatures, the brush carrying arms 101 and 301 have rotated vout ot latching position and are free to malte a complete revolution when they are again arrested bly latchingv armatures 156a and 159.

As soon as distributorA arm 101 has rotated a distance suliicient to bridge collector ring 157and segment 144 with brush 152, line relay 201 is again energized over a'circuit which may be traced from .grounded battery 139, armature and front contact of relay 128, segment 144, brush 152, col-A lector ring 157, main line wire` 200, line relay 201 to ground. At this time distributor arm 301 has moved synchronously with distributor arm 101 a distance suicient to bridge segment 161 and a segment 164 with brush 162 so that when line relay 201 is energized, an energizing circuit is completed for relay 165, which clrcuit may be traced battery 160, armature and front contact of line relay 201, segment. 161,

brush 162, segment 164, winding of relay 165 to ground. Relay 165 in energizing attracts its armature 175 closing a. locking circuit Jfor itself which may be traced from grounded battery 166, armature and back contact of relay 267, armature 17 5 and front contact ofrelay 165, winding of said relay to ground. A's the distributor arm 101 continues to rotate, it electrically connects segments 143, 141 and 140 with collector ring 157 in each instance energizing line relay 201. At the time lineJ relay 201 is energized from battery connected to segement 143, distributor arm 301 will electrically connect segment 161 and segment 167, energizing relay 168 which completes a locking circuit for itself in parallel with the locking circuit for relay 165. In like manner relays 170 and 171 will be energized and close locking circuits for themselves when the distributor arm 301 electrically connects segments 173 and 174 with segment 161. Relay 169 which is associated with segment 172 will not be energized, for at thel time that distributor arm 301 bridges this segfor relay 149 and line relay 201,.

. tion of relay Returning to vgrounded ment and segment 161, line relay 201 will not be energized, so that battery 160 will not be connected to segment 161.y Line relay 201 is not energize at this time for the reason that relay 126 is not energized, an does not connect battery 139 to segment 142; relay 126 being deenergized due to the fact that armature `121 of relay 117 is not'connected with battery 103, the reasons for which will be hereinafter described. Relay 165 in energizing attracts its armatures 17 5, 176, 177,178 and 179, the first mentioned included inthe locking circuit of the said relay. Relay 168 in energizing attracts its armatures 180, 181, 182 and 183, the irst mentioned included in the locking circuit of the said relay. Relay 170 in energizing attracts its armatures 185,186 and 187 the first mentionedy included in the locking circuit oftthe said relay. Relay 171 in energizing attracts its armatures 188 and 189, the former included in the locking circuit of the said relay.

When distributor arm 301hasrotated a distance suiiicient lto bridge segments 190 and 191 of distributor 300, an energizing circuit is completed for relay 192 which may be traced from grounded battery 193, armature 189, trent conta-ct of relay 171, armature 186 and :front contact oit relay 5170, armature 184 and back contact of relay 169, armature 182 and front contact of relay 168, armature 178 and front contact of relay 165, conductor 194, winding of relay 192, conductors 195, 196, segment 191, brush 1620i distributor arm 301, segment 190 to ground. Relay 192 in energizing attracts its armatures 197 and 202, the former completing a locking circuit for the relay which may be traced troml contact o relay 192. armature l20() and front contact ot relay 205 to traction of armature 192 completes an energizing circuit for winding 29 of relay 28, which may be traced from grounded battery 198, conductor 199, armature 202 and back contact of relay 192, winding 29 of relay 28 to ground.

s previously explained thefenergization of winding 29 of relay 28 completes an energizing circuit for the helix 18 of power switch S causing the said' switch to close. the apparatus at the central time the distributor arm 301 ground. The atstation. at the vbridged segments 190 and 191 causing thc energization of the relay 192 and winding 29 202 by the energiza-S of relay 28, brush 153, carried by distributor arm 101 associated with distributor 100,

bridged .collector ring 112 and a segment 206 which completed an energizing circuit for relay 108 which may be traced` from battery 103, conductor 104, armature 113' andV back contact of relay 102',

' armature 113' 4switch 35, contact 39, winding of conductor 208, segment 206, brush 153, col-f and front contact of relay 102 .(it will be recalled that this. relay was energized and locked up through its armature 115) conductor 207, contacting arm of relay 108,

lector ring 112` to ground. Relay 108 in energizing, attracts its armatures 107 and 209. The attraction of armature 209 closes a locking circuit for the conductors 104, 210, winding of relay 108, armature 209 and front contact of said relay, armature 201 and-back contact of relay 212 to ground'.l Relay 108 in attracting its arma.-

-ture 107'opens the locking circuit for relay 102 permitting the said relay,to deenergize. The deenergiz'ation of this relay opens the energizing circuit-for relay 117- 'which releases its armatures 119 to 123 inclusive, opening the energizing circuits for relays .'124, 125, 127 and 128 permitting thev said `I'elays to release connecting the ground battery 139 from ments 144, 143, 141 and 140 of distributor 100. f h

Distributor arms 101 and 301 continue' their clockwise rotation until arrested and late-hed by armatures 156a and 159'of maglnets. 155 and 158,v respectively, yin the sta.

tionary positions illustrated in the drawings. Relay 108 remains energized as long' as switch 35 is held in the position in which its conducting arms engage lcontacts 39 and 40, and relay 192 remains energized as long as its locking circuit remains unbroken at armature 200 and vback contact-of relay 205. In order to'now visualize the position of the mechanism-associated with power switch'S power switch S',

an-d switch 3,5, attention is directed to the mechanism associated with power switch S and vswitch 35',.since switch 35' position in which power switch S is closed. It is thought that it may be easier to follow opening one of the powerswitches by, referring to the mechanism and circuits associated with since this switch is shown closed.

To open lpower switch S" the switch 35' is moved from the position shown to one in which its conducting arms engage contacts 37'l and '38'.

completes' an energizing circuit for relay 102' which may be traced from grounded battery 103, conductors104, 105' and conl ducting arm and contact 38 of switch 35', front Contact and armature 107 of relay 108', winding of relay 102',`conductor 110,

moves it 'out said lrelay which" t'heir armatures and disl.1

seg-

is in the The closing of Contact 38" relay 20 153 of distributor arm,

-attracting its armature `traced from grounded battery-1,03, conductors ,104, 105', conducting arm and lcontact c, 38' of switch l35', armature 107' contact of relay 108', winding of relay 102', armature 115' to ground. The attraction of armature 116' of engagement with its' associated back contact and into vengagement with its front contact, completing an energizing circuit for relay 117' which. may be traced from grounded battery 103', conductor 104, armature 116' and lfront contact of relay 102', winding of relay 117 to ground. Re-` lay 117' in energizing attracts its armatures 1.19', 12o', 121', 122 and 123 which complete' energizing circuits for relays 124, *125, 126,` and 127. he energizingA circuit for relay 124 may be traced from` grounded batter 103, conductor 104, armature 119' and front contact of relay .117', conductors 129 and 130, winding of relay 124.to ground. The energizing circuits for relays 125, 126 and 27 are similar to the energizing circuit for relay 124, except that the contacts associated with armatures 120', 121' and 122' are connected to the windings of the-said relays by means of conductors 135-131', 136-132, 137-133'. Relay 128 is not energized although armature 123' `engages its cooperating front contact because the energizing circuit for this relay passes through conducting arm of switch 35' and contact 40' which is open. Relays 124,125, 126 and 127 in energizing attract their armaturesconnecting grounded battery 139 to their associated segments 140, 141,' 142 and 143, respectively, ot distributor 100. Relay 102 in energizing moves its armature 114' into engagement with its associated front contact completing an energizing vcircuit-for relay 145 .which may be traced Ifrom grounded battery 103, conductor-104, armature 114' and front contact of relay 102, conductor 147, winding of relay 145 to ground. Relay 145 in attracting its armature l148 completes an energizing circuit for relay 149 which in attracting an'd front its armature 154 completes an energizing ciry cuit for release magnet 155 associated with thefdistributor arm 101. Relay in additiorl to causing the energization of -release magnet through the 149, also closes an energizing circuitfor line relay 201, located ,at the substation. Linel 1 in energizing `attracts its armature and completes an energizing circuit forv reeasemagnet 158, associated with distributor 300 located at the substation` and also closes an energizing circuit for Arelay 267 which may be traced from grounded battery 160, segment 161, brush 162, segment 163, wind-v ing of relay267 to ground. `Relay 267 in .disconnects battery 166 from those relays of group D which were previously energized and locked up in controlling power switch S and causesthem medium of relay i 300. The energizing circuits to release their armatures, restoring them for subsequent operation.

Distributor arms 101 and 301 upon being released rotate synchronously in a clockwise direction sweeping their brushes over the segments associated therewith. Brush 101 in sweepinor over segments 143, 142, 141 and 140 causes the intermittent energization of line relay 201, which in attracting its armature completes energizing circuit-s for relays 168, 169, 170 and 171 through the medium of distributor arm 301 and segments 167, 172, 173 and 174 associated with distributor for the various relays, above mentioned, which have not y been described inv detail were traced in connection with switch 35, and a reiteration of these circuits is not xthought to be necessary.

When distributor arm 301 has rotateda distance sutlicient to bridge segments 190 and 191 of distributor 300, an energizing circuit is completed for relay 205' which may Y be traced from rounded battery 193, arma- 35', winding of relay 212,

release its armatures.

U sociated with distributor l i ture 189 and' ront contact of `relay 171,

armature 186 and front contact of relay 170, armature 184 and front contact of relay 169, armature 181 and front contact of relay 168, armature 176 and back contact of relay 165, winding of relay205', conductor 196,' segment 191, brush 162 of distributor arm 301, segment 190 to ground. Relay 205 in energizing attracts its armature 200',

vopening the locking circuit for relay 192',

permitting it to release its armatures. Armature 202 in engaging its back contact, causes an energization of winding 30' of relay 28 which may be traced from grounded battery 198, armature 202 and back contact of relay 192', winding 30 of relay 28 to ground. f

As previously explained, the ener ization of winding 30' of relay 28 opens t e energizing circuit for helix 18 of power switch S', permitting the core 17 associated with the said helix to fall and open the switch.

Returning to the apparatus atthe central Station, at the time distributor arm 301 bridged segments 190 and 191, causing the energization of relay 205 and winding 30', brush 153 carried by distributor arm 101 as'- 100 bridged collector ring 112 and segment 206 which completed an energizing circuit for relay 212' which may be traced Jfrom grounded battery 103, armature 113', front vcontact of relay 102 conducting arm and' contact 37 of switch conductor 208, collector ring 112 in energizing atopening the locking to in segment 206, brush 153, to ground.. Relay 212 tracts its armature 211'-, circuit for relay 108' and permitting it Armature '107' moving out of engagement with, its associated front contact opens the locking cir-i cuitfor relay 102', permitting it to deemergize. The deenergization of. relay 102' opens which includes the armature 116 and associated back contact, and also opens the energizing circuit for relay 212' which includes armature 113' of relay 102'. Briefly stated, relay. 212 in energizing releases relays 108', 117' and 102', which last mentioned relay Opens the circuit for relay 212, associated with switch 35' to the samepositions that the mechanism associated with switch 35 is shown to occupy as illustrated in the drawing. l v Y Theselective encrgizatiou and deenergization of windings 29 and 30 of relay 28, and windings 29' and 3.0' ot' relay 28' depends upon what relays of groupD, which includes relays 171, 170, 169, 168 and 165 are energized. These relays in turn are selectively energized, depending upon which relays of group C are energized, which group includes relays 124, 125, 126, 127 and 128. The relays of this group are energized dependent upon whether relays 117 and 117' in attracting their armatures complete energizing circuts therefor.

By referrng to 1 it will be seen that with switch 35' in the position shown when relay 117' is energized its armatures 119', 120', 121', 122' and 123'- close circuits to energize relays 124, 125, 126, 127 and 128, these relays through the medium of distributors 100 and 300 causing the energization of all of the relays of group D, which in attractin their armatures, close an energizing circuit for relay 192 `which causes switch S' to close, as is readily understood. To cause the opening of switch S','switch 35' is actuated to move its conducting arms out of en` gagement with into engagement with contacts 37 and 38', With the switch'in this positon, the. relay 117 when energized, in attracting its armatures will close energizing circuits for relays 124, 125, 126 and 127, but relay 128 will not returning all the mechanism the energizing circuit fork-relay'117' i 'and associated front contact contacts 39' and 40' and.

be energized for the reason that the energiz-` I the release of relay 192' and the opening of power switch S.

From this it will be understood thatto close switch S' all of the relays of groups C and D are energized, whereas to open switch S', all of the relays but one of these groups 'are energized. To close switch S all of the vrelays of group C and group D are energized with the exception of relay 1 26 inV group C, and relay .169 in grou D, these relays not being energized as previously described, due to the fact that 1 various relays in sociated relay groups like A the switches ous energization of 'armature 121 of relay 117 is not connected tobattery 103. To open switch S only relays 124, 125 and 127 of group C, and relays 171, 170 and 168 of group'D are energized, relay 126vof group C and relay 1 69 of group D not being energized for the reason just stated, while relay 128 of group C and relay 165 of group D are not energized due to the fact that to open switch S, switch 35 is moved to the position shwn in Fig. 1 in which its conducting arm is out of engagement with contact 40, which contact is included in the energizing circuit of relay 128.

As lwill bereadily understood, the relays in groups C and D and the distributors 100 and 300 may serve to control a relativelyv large number of different power Switches by providing a switch like 35 or 35 andasand B for each power switch to be controlled, the relays of these groups corresponding to relay 117 or 117 having their various armatures connected to or disconnected from the conductor v- 104 leading to the battery 103 to cause the energization of various combinations of relays m groups C and D.

Should switches 35 and 35 be operated 'simultaneously in either direction or moved simultaneously in o posite directions or actuated one closely ollowing the other, no confusion will .result and the power switches S and S. will be actuated one after the other commensurate with the movement of and 35', due to an interlockingof the circuits-for relay groups A and B. Assume that the switches 35 and 35 should be simultaneously moved from the positions illustrated in the drawings Jto opposite positions for causingthe vclosing of power switch S and the opening of power switch S', respectively: This movement of switches 35 and 35' would cause a sin'1ultanclatter in attracting its armature 116 will complete an energizing circuit for relay 117', which in 'attracting its armatures energzes groups C and D through I the medium of distributors 100 and 300 yto control power switch S'.

102wa's energized simultaneously with relay Although relay 102 and attracted its' armature 11.6, relay 117 would not be energized for the reason that its energizing circuit though Apassing through armature 116 and front contact of relay 102 also includes armature 116 and backcontact of relay 102', which armature andfcontact would be separated due to the energization of relay 102'. As a consequence, when relays 102, and 102' energized, the latter locks out the former and the relays in group B have exclusive use of I the relays in groups C and D until relay 102 1s subsequently. deenergized, `which in releasin'o' completes the energizing circuit for relay 11"?,` which in attracting its armature energizes Vin groups A and relays 102 and 102', the

are simultaneouslyv various relays'in groupsC and D through i,

tive of whether'lthese switches jare operatedA simultaneously, the relays in groups C and D will be under the exclusive control of the relay groups like A .and B in the order of their proximity to the battery 103. If, however, suticient time ela-pees between the movement of a switch 35 and the movement of a switch 35', 103 than switch 35, to allow the contacts on the distributor arm 101 to move away from segment 111, relay 102 erated as'its operating circuits'will be open. The switch more remote from th battery wil therefore control. until ple ed, ywhereupon the less remote switch will set in operation the relays associated with it and operate its correspondingswitch.

Power switches S and .S' in opening and closing actuatedouble-pole double-throw switches 45 and 45', respectively. These switches are' exactly like switches 35 and 35 and operate groups of relays A' and B', respectively, which are identical with groups A and B, fand as a consequence re# lay vgroups A" and B' on the drawings in.

detail but have `been merely indicated bg rectangles.' The relays lays identical with group C which 'are indicated by the rectangle designated C'. These relays serve to connect ground to associated segments of a dfstributor corresponding have not' been shownwhich is nearer 4battery cannot be opits cycle is corn- I control a group of reto distributor 100 As thebrush carrying arm of distributor 100' sweeps over its segments, line relay 201 (corresponding to line .relay 201) is intermittently energized to connect grounded battery (corresponding to battery 160), to the segments of distributor 300 which corresponds with distributor 300. '.lheI circuit for line relay 2012, may he traced from grounded segments ot distributor 100', liue200', winding of line relay 201'to grounded 'battery 139. As the brush carrying arm of distributor 300 passes over segments of the distributor to which battery 160 has been connected, energizingv circuits are completed for various relays of a group which corresponds to group D, and is designated by the rectangle marked D'. :tor pairs of relays corresponding to E and F which are designated by rectangles E' and -F' to illuminate lamps 1000 or 1001, and

i These relays complete circuits 4' switches 45 and'45 controlling lamps 1000, 1001, 1000 and 1001', located at the central station, indicating which of. the 'power switches are operated and whether thcsc switches are opened or closed. As previously described, switches S and S may be opened under the control ot' underload or overload relays E25 and 25 and 26, 26', respectively, and when actuated thereby 'also indicate through the mediumof the lamps at the central station whenever the ipower switches are opened or closed. The circuits `for rclay groups A and B are interlocked similarly to relay groups A and B, and as a consequence, although power switches S and S may be actuated either from the central station or 4through the medium ot' the overload and underload relays, no confusionrwill result and the lamps at the central station will be lighted and extinguished one after the other commensurate with the movement of switches 45 and 45v to indicate the position of the power switches S and S. This interlocking feature is of special importance in cases where a large number of switches are opened substantially simultaneously from a heavy surge of current on the power line due to lightning or other cause, the interlocking mechanism insuring that an indication will be given at the central station showing the position of each power y switch operated.

lVhat is claimed is:

1. A system of the character described comprising a plurality of power switches,

means including a pair of distributors operated in synchron'ism, a manual switch for each power switch having alternate positions, means including circuits closed in one position of each manual switch to control the means including the distributors to open the corresponding power switch and means including circuits closed in the other position of each manual switch to control the means including said distributors to close the corresponding power switch, and means actuated by the simultaneous operation of two manual switches in either position for placing the control of the means'including said distributors under the exclusive con-v trol o'f only one of said manual switches.

2. A system of. the character described, comprising a transmitting distributor and a receiving distributor, control switches, having alternate positions, an electromagnet controlled by each switch, a plurality of relays variably operated jointly by any electromagnet and the corresponding switch, the number operated depending upon the position of the switch, and devices corresponding to said switches controlled by said relays thlough the medium of said distributors.

3. A system comprising a of the character described, transmitting distributor and translating device controlled by said relays f through the medium of said distributors.

4. A system of the .character described, comprising a transmitting distributor and a receiving distributor operated in synchronism, a control switch movable to a plurality of positions, an electromagnet controlled by said switch, a plurality of relays selectively operated by said electromagnet depending upon the position of said switch, a relay controlled by the operation of each of said relays through the medium of said rotary distributors, and a translating device controlled jointly by said last mentioned relays. 5. A system of the character described, comprising a central station and a substation joined by a single line conductor, synchronously operated rotary distributors associated with said line conductor at sai stations, a control switch having alternate positions at said central station, an electroinagnet controlled by said switch, a plurality of relays selectively controlled by said electromagnet depending upon the position of said switch, a relay at said sub-station allotted to each of said relays and controlled thereby through the medium of said rotary distributors, and a translating device at said .substation controlled jointly by said last-mentioned relays.

6. A system of the characterdescribed, comprising a central station and a4v sub-station joined by a single line conductor, synchronously operated rotary distributorsassociated with said line conductor at both of said stations, a translating device at said sub-station, a switch having alternate positions at said central station, an electromagnet controlled by said switch, -a plurality of relays at the central station selectively operated rr"by said electromagnet depending upon the position of said switch, and a plurality of relays at said sub-station selectively controlled by said first-mentioned relays through the medium of said rotary distributors for controlling said translating device. 7. A system of the character described, comprising a central station and a sub-station connected by a synchronously operated rotary distributors associated with said line conductor at both of said stations, a translating device at said station movable to a plurality of positions, an electromagnet controlled by said switch,

la plurality of relays at said central station selectively operated by said electromagnet depending' upon the position of said switch,

dao

single line conductor,--

sub-station, a control switch at said central tively controlled by said first-mentioned relays through the medium of saidrotary distributor, and means controlled jointly and selectively by said relays for operating said translating device.

8. A system of the character described, comprising a central station and a sub-station joined by a single line conductor, a rotary distributor associated with said line conductor at each ot' said stations,4 said distributors being operated in synchronism, a translating device at said sub-station, a control'switch at said central station movable to a plurality of positions, an electromagnet controlled by said switch, a plurality o relays at said central station selectively operated by said electromagnet depending upon the position of said switch, a plurality of relays at said sub-station selectively controlled by saidrst mentioned relays through the medium f said rotary distributors, a rela-y having two windings adapted when energized to open and close said translating device, respectively, and means controlled jointly and selectively by said sub-station relays to selectively energize the windings of said last-mentioned relay.

9. A system et the character described, comprising a central station and a sub-station joined by a single line conductor, synchronously operated rotary distributors associated with said line conductor at said stations, a plurality ofcontrol switches having alternate positions at said central station, an electromagnet controlled by each oli said switches, a plurality el relays selectively operable by said electromagnets depending. upon the j osition of said switches, 'a relay at said su -station allotted to each of said relays and controlled thereby through the `medium of said rotary distributors,` and a plurality of translating devices at said substation selectively 'controlled by said last-l mentioned relays.

lO. A system of the character described, comprising a central station and a sub-station joined by a single line conductor, synchronously operated rotary distributors associated with said line conductor at said stations, a plurality of translating devices at said sub-station, a plurality of switches having alternate positions at said central station, an electromagnet allotted to each ol said switches and controlled thereby, a plurality of relays at said central station selectively operated by said electromagnets depending Aupon the position oil the switches associated therewith, and means at said substation controlled by said relays through the medium oit' said rotary distributors tor ccntrolling said translating devices.

ll. A system et the character described position ol the respective control sw1tches`,'a plurality ot relays at said sub-station se-l lectively controlled by said rst-mentioned relays through the medium of said rotary distributors, and means controlled Ijointly and selectively by said relays for voperating said translating devices.

lin witness whereof, li hereunto subscribe my naine this 24th day et .lune A. ll, 192i..

' JOHN B. HARLW, 

